September 6, 2013
Art Uptown Gallery
Sarasota, FL
“The smell of the Gulf, the view of cottages lined up along the shoreline, palm trees reaching up toward clear blue skies are all reflected in my art,” noted Sarasota artist Jill Krasner, who has been designing, illustrating, painting and writing most of her life.
“My work is an expression of my travels along life’s path — a sometimes complicated, frequently challenging journey of love. Creating with oil paints, oil sticks and cold wax is delightfully messy. I work fast and the paint gets everywhere: on my clothes, on every surface in my studio, even on my dog,” she explained.
Artwork featured in Jill Krasner’s exhibition, Transitions Big and Small, opening September 6.
Krasner typically works on several canvases at once, as her process requires the application of one thin layer of color on top of another, allowing ample drying time between layers on each canvas. A canvas might have as many as eight or ten layers of color and texture before she starts the final image-making,” she continued.
“The works represent the positive, very personal transitions that the artist experienced after becoming a full-time resident of Sarasota”, she related. The paintings she has selected for the exhibit include abstract landscapes, buildings and other architectural structures. Symbolic circles and lines and blocks of bold color contrast with detailed mark-making, she said.
Artwork featured in Jill Krasner’s exhibition, Transitions Big and Small, opening September 6.
“I start excavating or scratching through layers, adding textures, more color, scraping and reapplying paint and wax until I have created a finished image I am happy with. When a painting is finished, it needs more time to dry, as long as a week, before applying a protective coat of wax or medium.”
Another day or two is required for the finish coat to set up before she gives it a final buffing. “Being able to share my work with people from all over the country – and the world – brings me immense joy. I am so lucky to wake up each morning and spend my day doing what I love,” she commented.
The artist has exhibited in many juried shows and has received numerous awards, including first place at the Deep See exhibition at the Sarasota Art Center last year for her painting “New Beginnings.” Her work is in hundreds of collections nationally and internationally.
Artwork featured in Jill Krasner’s exhibition, Transitions Big and Small, opening September 6.
Jill’s paintings will be showcased at Art Uptown through Sept. 30. The gallery, located at 1367 Main St., Sarasota, will also display works of the gallery’s 27 other member artists.
Opening reception for “Transitions: Big & Small,” featuring recent oil and wax paintings of Sarasota artist Jill Krasner, opens Sept. 6 from 6-9 p.m. at Art Uptown on lower Main Street in Sarasota.
Art Uptown is open Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday 12-5. During the monthly First Friday Gallery Walks on Palm and Main streets, evening hours are 6-9. Telephone: 941-955-5409. www.artuptown.com.
ABOUT ART UPTOWN
Owned by its members, Art Uptown has been continuously operating in its current location on Main Street for 33 years, representing local artists and offering affordable art and gifts. Abstract, realistic and expressionistic work is offered in acrylics, collage, encaustics, oils, watercolors, pastels, photography, digital art, fine art ceramics and pottery, fabric art and wood. The member artists change the work on display monthly, so visiting is always a fresh experience.
Located on Lower Main Street in downtown Sarasota, Art Uptown provides a refreshing opportunity to see the work of a highly selective group of area artists. The monthly First Friday Gallery Walks on Palm and Main Street offer a wonderful opportunity to visit the gallery and meet many of the member artists.
